Tray for handling devices to be tested

ABSTRACT

The problems inherent with connecting a DUT to a test station have been solved by the use of a tray designed to allow a wide variety of different DUTs to be physically connected individually to a test station using a universal test station connector. The tray allows for the association therewith of a personality module which serves to provide the proper physical connections and to electrically condition the test station to the electrical characteristics of the DUT. The tray allows for sealed environmental testing of the DUT without impacting any physical connections between the DUT and the test station. The tray also allows for the DUT to be vibrated from externally applied motion without interfering with either the sealed environment around the DUT and without imparting motion to the physical connection between the DUT and the test station.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/962,677 filed Jul. 31, 2007, which application is herebyincorporated by reference herein; and this application is related toconcurrently filed, co-pending, and commonly-assigned: U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. XX/XXX,XXX, Attorney Docket 10070328-1, entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING SIMULTANEOUS VIBRATION ANDELECTRICAL TESTING”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. XX/XXX,XXX,Attorney Docket No. 10070330-1, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORFACILITATING USE OF A UNIVERSAL TEST CONNECTION FOR A PLURALITY OFDIFFERENT DEVICES.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to electronic circuit testing systems and moreparticularly to systems and methods for connecting electronic circuitsand devices to test stations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common practice to connect electronic circuits and devices (hereincalled DUTs) to test stations for the purpose of verifying the integrityof the DUT. The testing routines of each device are different for eachDUT since each test routine is dependent upon the nature of the DUT. Itgoes without saying that as devices become more complex, so does thetest routine employed for verification of proper operation. In manysituations, the test routines extend to vibration testing as well astemperature (hot as well as cold) testing. Thus, it is necessary toconnect each DUT to one or more test stations and to make properelectrical contact between the test station and the DUT. When the DUT isto be electrically tested while being vibrated, it is necessary to makeboth electrical connection to the DUT as well as a mechanical connectionto a vibration mechanism. In some situations it is also necessary toperform the electrical testing (and sometimes both electrical andvibration testing) while the DUT is being subjected to variousenvironmental factors, such as, for example, heat and cold.

Compounding the problem is the fact that different devices havedifferent connection terminals which must be electrically and physicallymated with the various inputs/outputs of the test station.Traditionally, these connections are made with cords having one endadapted for physical mating with the DUT and the other end adapted formating with the test station. These cords then must be manuallyconnected, usually at both ends. Compounding the problem even further,is the fact that when environmental testing or vibration testing isbeing performed, the cords and/or connectors have a physical presencewithin the environmental chamber surrounding the DUT. Thus the cordsand/or connectors are subjected to varying test conditions as thetemperatures and device movement (or other environmental factors)change, thereby allowing for possible variations in test results.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems inherent with connecting a DUT to a test station have beensolved by the use of a tray designed to allow a wide variety ofdifferent DUTs to be physically connected individually to a test stationusing a universal test station connector. The tray allows for theassociation therewith of a personality module which serves to providethe proper physical connections and to electrically condition the teststation to the electrical characteristics of the DUT. The tray allowsfor scaled environmental testing of the DUT without impacting anyphysical connections between the DUT and the test station. The tray alsoallows for the DUT to be vibrated from externally applied motion withoutinterfering with either the sealed environment around the DUT andwithout imparting motion to the physical connection between the DUT andthe test station.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a tray for holding a device under test(DUT) on a pedestal so as to allow for vibration testing of the DUT inaccordance with the concepts of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a personality module for controlling testparameters with respect to a DUT in accordance with the concepts of theinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a personality module, in accordance with FIG. 2, positionedwithin a test tray as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a vibration machine temporarily attachedto the pedestal of the holding tray shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a cut-away schematic view of the attachment of a vibrationdevice to the DUT support pedestal of the holding tray; and

FIG. 6 shows the holding tray of FIG. 1 mounted in a test stand andconnected electrically to a test facility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a tray, such as tray 10, for holding adevice under test (DUT) (not shown) within a confined chamber defined bytray sides 11 surrounding pedestal 14 so as to allow for vibrationtesting of the DUT. The confined chamber can be environmentallycontrolled as will be discussed. Tray 10 is designed such that a cover(not shown) can be secured over the top of the DUT and inflated withenvironmentally conditioned air, or other elements, via one or moreducts, such as via ducts 150. The inflatable cover can be affixed to lip16 of tray 10. The base or bottom of the confined area is defined bysurface 18 (FIG. 2) and the top of the confined area by the inside ofthe cover.

Pedestal 14 while providing support for holding a DUT has bracketsupport 501 (shown in FIG. 5) resting on tray base 18 when vibration isnot occurring. A holding device (not shown) for the DUT is locked topedestal 14 via, for example, tapped holes 140. The DUT (shown as item602 in FIG. 6) can be held in any desired position by the holdingdevice. When in the non-vibrating state, pedestal 14 rests on tray base18. When vibration occurs, as will be discussed, pedestal 14 is raisedfrom tray base 18 and is thus free to move in any desired direction.

Opening 17 allows a personality module, such as module 20, to beinserted therein. As will be more fully discussed, personality module 20contains connectors 24 and/or any other desired devices, such ascalibration circuitry, calibration data, error-correctioncircuitry/data, signal level setting, cable correction data, DUTidentification data, etc. Module 20 allows for connection to a testfacility when the module is inserted into opening 17 such thatelectrical terminals, such as connectors 24 of the module, appearthrough opening 13. Also contained on tray 10 are electrical terminals,such as, RF connectors 31 and connector 32. Wheels 101 facilitate tray10 sliding into and out of a test stand (not shown in FIG. 1). Wheelsare not necessary for the operation of the tray and or other aspects ofthis disclosure. Connector 43, as will be discussed in more detail, ispositioned below tray base 18 at the distal end of pedestal 14 andserves to releasably connect pedestal 14 to a vibration device.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a personality module, such as module 20,for controlling test parameters with respect to a DUT. In the embodimentshown, module 20 has handles 23 extending from top structure 21.Structure 21 sits above sides 22 which serve to protect connectors 24.Structure 21, in one embodiment, provides thermal isolation between theinner area of tray 10 and the outer area of the tray so as to helpmaintain the thermal environment within the test chamber. Connectors 24are electrically connected to connectors 25 which can, if desired, befitted with thermal protection as well. One function of handles 23 is tophysically protect connectors 25. In one embodiment, connectors 24 arepositioned perpendicular to the top surface of module 20.

The purpose of connectors 25, which could be eliminated by hard wiring,if desired, is to cross-connect between the DUT and connectors 24 whichconnectors are arranged for standard interfacing with universalelectrical terminals of test stations. This then allows connectors 24 tobe uniform for all personality modules which in-turn eliminates the needfor specialized cables to be used for each different DUT even though theelectrical terminals could be different for each DUT. In one embodiment,the cross-connect cables are relatively short, i.e., between 6 inchesand two feet. The positioning of connectors 24 in a second portion ofthe module below the top (first) portion of the module and below thebottom surface of tray 10 (on the outside of the environmentallyconditioned area) protects the cables from heat and cold stresses. Inaddition, because the connectors are uniform across all DUTs it iseasier to establish a blind-mate connection with a test system. Thisblind-mate connection can be as a result of a human positioning one ormore trays into a test system or the positioning being accomplished by arobot or other automatic (non-human) system. A third portion of themodule, also positioned below the bottom surface of the tray, cancontain elements for controlling the testing of the DUT.

The personality module, which in one embodiment has an outer dimensionof approximately 8 inches by 11 inches by 12 inches high, serves anumber of different roles all such that a particular DUT can beconditioned to be tested using a standard interface connection betweenthe DUT and the test facility. Thus, when a particular DUT is to betested, a module 20 designed specifically for that particular DUT isselected and associated with the DUT. Both the particular DUT and theselected module are positioned within tray 10 in association with thepedestal upon which the DUT is clamped. The DUT is electricallyconnected to the module using test cables, such as test cables 601,either permanently affixed to the module or connected thereto (as shownin FIG. 6). The selected module is designed having circuitry (not shown)for providing conditioning information test signals from the connectedtest facility and for optionally instructing the test facility as towhat test to be performed. Some of this conditioning information cantake the form of control signals that can be, for example, calibrationelements, calibration data, error-correction data, signal level settingdata, power supply data, cable correction data, device identification.

In a robotic situation, the module that is assigned to a tray also cancontain routing instructions for a robot so that the module becomesconnected to the proper test facility or facilities and associated withthe DUT being held by the pedestal. Thus, different DUTs can be assigneddifferent trays with each tray then receiving a module matching the DUT.The tray then controls its destiny through a robotic test system. Whenrobotics is not used for tray movement purposes, the module continues toserve to condition the test facilities to set-up test requirements forthe particular DUT associated therewith.

In some embodiments, the modules can have memory and processors and canbe reprogrammed as required. In some embodiments, the modules can bedesigned using ASICS or PROMs as desired. Wireless technology, as wellas near-field transmission, can be employed to change the programmedparameters.

FIG. 3 shows personality module 20 positioned within test tray 10. Inthis view pedestal 14 is shown without a DUT being mounted thereon andpositioned against tray base 18. When a DUT is mounted on pedestal 14and it is desired to perform vibration testing, pedestal 14 is raisedaway from tray base 18 and vibrated in the manner to be discussed. Ifthe vibration testing is to performed within a controlled environment,such as under heated or cooled conditions, “tent” 33, which in oneembodiment can be a flexible covering, can be formed around the top areaof tray 10 and conditioned air blown in from below the tray. The tent ismade from, for example, thermal material such as neoprene.

Other test system connections can be made between the DUT and the testsystem via RF connectors 31 and/or connector 32.

FIG. 4 shows system 40 in which vibrator 41 is temporarily attached viaconnector 43 to connector 42 at the distal end of pedestal 14 whichextends downward from tray 10 through the base of the tray. In thismanner, the vibrator machinery can be maintained outside of anyenvironment in which the DUT is being tested. Vibrator 41 can be anywell-known vibrator or shaker operable for imparting a desired motion(or range of motions) at connector 43 thereby causing the DUT to move ina controlled fashion. In operation, in one embodiment, vibrator 41causes pedestal 14 to lift away from tray base 18 of tray 10 and then tomove in one or more directions under control of connector 42 whichextends from a vibrating device, such as vibrator (shaker) 41. In theembodiment shown, vibrator (shaker) 41 is in a fixed location and tray10 is moved into proximity therewith for testing a DUT. However, theshaker could be portable and the tray fixed or both units could beportable and/or fixed. Note that pedestal 14 has a portion that slidesthrough the tray from surface 18 exiting on the bottom outside surfaceof the tray.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic simplified cut-away view of one embodiment ofthe attachment of vibrator 41 to DUT support pedestal 14 of the holdingtray. Note that this view depicts vibrator 41 fully seated with respectto the connection between the vibrator and the pedestal but not yetapplying upward pressure on pedestal 14. Thus, pedestal 14 is stillshown supported by surface 18 via supports 502. As will be discussed,when tray 10 is further lowered, or when vibrator 41 (or stem 503) israised, or when supports 501 have been withdrawn, pedestal 14 will ceaseto be supported by surface 18. Note also that thermal seal barrier 502,which can be a neoprene boot, is fitted around the surface of pedestal14 so as to create a thermally sealed area to help reduce thermal leaksso as to maintain the environmental integrity of the treated atmospherewithin the sealed chamber confines of tray 10. Thus, when the air hasbeen heated, or cooled, the modified air temperature can not escapearound the openings between pedestal 14 and surface 18 and also can nottravel along pedestal 14 because of the thermal barrier. When pedestal14 is in the vibrate mode, (not supported by surface 18) material 502stretches to accommodate both upward motion as well as any lateralmovement of the pedestal. Thereby environmentally sealing the portion ofpedestal 14 that communicates with the atmosphere outside the thermallysealed confined area. Using this approach the DUT can be vibratedwithout also vibrating the pedestal that holds the DUT.

A DUT can be directly attached by clamping or otherwise, to the topsurface of pedestal 14 and in such a situation the top surface wouldmost likely be sloped. The DUT is connected to the top surface usingthermal insulating material, such as pads or gaskets to prevent heat orcold from escaping into the structure of the pedestal. Alternatively, aholding fixture could be employed either on top of boot 502 (again usingthermally insulating material for attachment to the pedestal throughboot 502) or the fixture could be mounted between boot 502 and topsurface of pedestal 14. For the purpose of discussion herein the wordpedestal should be understood to include not only the portion thatextends downward through opening 51 in the tray bottom surface forcommunication with the area outside of the confined area and forconnection to the vibrator but also upward for attachment to a DUT.

Vibrator 41 is temporarily attached, when desired, to support pedestal14 by connector 42 mating with connector 43. In the embodiment shown,pedestal 14 slides through base surface 18 of tray 10 and when in the‘support’ position supports 501 prevent pedestal 14 from falling throughsurface 18. As will be discussed, supports 501 can be controllablywithdrawn, for example, by an actuator (not shown) so as to allowpedestal 14 to float free of surface 18. This would then allow themovable portion of a mated vibrator (as will be discussed) to impartmotion to a DUT mounted on the proximal end of pedestal 14 when thevibrator is mated with the pedestal and activated.

Note that while pedestal 14 is shown as a single structure it can bemultiple structures having different circumferences at differentportions thereof. Connector 43 can be part of the unitary structure ofthe pedestal or a separate structure. Also note that when such supportwithdrawal is not desired, supports 501 can simply be a widened portionof the pedestal.

To facilitate a firmly mated connection between connectors 43 and 42 andto also facilitate proper alignment, connector 43, in the embodimentshown, fits inside the circumference of connector 42. Annular gasket 44is positioned within groove 404 (similar to an o-ring) on the insidewall of connector 42. By fitting the gasket properly, such as by pumpingthe gasket tight after connectors 42 and 43 are seated together air canbe pumped out of the space between the bottom surface of connector 43and the mating surface of connector 42 to create a temporary vacuum sealbetween connectors 42 and 43. In order to facilitate the vacuum seal,gasket 44 can have holes therein (not shown) which will allow air to bedrawn through the gasket by an air pump or other suction device therebyfacilitating a tight mating relationship between stem 503 of thevibrator and connector 43 of pedestal 14. In other embodiments, the factthat gasket 44 is made to swell may be enough to create an acceptablefriction fit between the connector portions. If desired, pads (notshown) can be positioned between connectors 42 and 43 to facilitate theconnection.

In operation, when it is desired to perform vibration testing on a DUTwhich has been attached to the proximal (top) end of pedestal 14, eithertray 10 is lowered so as to position connector 43, located at the distalend of pedestal 14, against connector 42, as discussed above, fromvibrator 41, or vibrator 41 is raised (hydraulically or pneumatically)so that pedestal 14 is forced upward away from tray base 18 of tray 10,or bracket stops 501 are withdrawn as above noted. Connectors 42 and 43,as discussed can be releasable mated together so that whatever motionvibrator stem 503 has is imparted to pedestal 14 and ultimately to theDUT when the vibrator is activated. Note that as discussed, the flexiblenature of thermal material 502 allows the motion of stem 503 to beimparted faithfully to the DUT.

FIG. 6 shows test system 60 in which holding tray 10 is mounted in atest stand, such as testing station 64. In this embodiment, test system60 is connected by connector cable 62 to personality module 20 of tray10, shown without the environmental cover. Note that personality module20 is an interface unit between the test device and the DUT. Note alsothat connector cables 601 connect module 20 to DUT 602 via connectors 63which connectors, as discussed above, can be thermally insulated as canbe connector cables 601. Also shown is temperature control device 620which can be used for imparting environmental conditions, for examplevia ducts 621 and 150 (FIG. 1) to the DUT inside the environmentalchamber from a position outside of the environmental chamber.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present invention.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

1. A tray for holding a DUT; said tray comprising: at least one DUTconfined area; at least one opening extending from said confined area toan area outside of said confined area; and at least one pedestalpositioned within said confining area, said pedestal having a portioncommunicating with an area outside of said confining area via saidopening, and wherein a distal end of said communicating portion isadapted to removably mate with a movable portion of a vibrating device.2. The tray of claim 1 wherein said pedestal is adapted to allow saidDUT to be releasably mated therewith.
 3. The tray of claim 2 whereinsaid pedestal rests on a base of said tray when said vibrating device ismated but not activated and wherein said pedestal can float free of saidtray base when said vibrating device is mated and activated.
 4. The trayof claim 1 further comprising: means for thermally sealing saidcommunicating portion such that thermal leaks are minimized.
 5. The trayof claim 1 further comprising: means for allowing said tray to bethermally sealed over said confining area.
 6. The tray of claim 5wherein said allowing means comprises: means for allowing air to flowinto said confining area; and means for allowing a flexible covering tobe connected to said tray around said confining area.
 7. The tray ofclaim 1 wherein said communicating portion of said pedestal comprises aportion adapted for temporary vacuum sealing against a moving portion ofsaid vibrating device.
 8. A method of positioning a device to be tested(DUT), said method comprising: attaching said DUT to a pedestal within aconfined area of a tray, said pedestal having a portion for mating witha shaker unit outside of said confined area of said tray; attaching tosaid DUT at least one connector cable, another end of said connectorcable being electrically connected to an interface unit temporarilyattached to said tray, said interface unit having a first portion withinsaid confined tray area and a second portion outside of said definedtray area, said second portion electrically connectable to a testingstation; and creating around said attached DUT a sealed chamber, saidsealed chamber encompassing said confined area of said tray.
 9. Themethod of claim 8 further comprising: positioning said tray in relationto a test station such that said interface unit can make electricalcontact with said test station.
 10. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising: activating said interface unit to condition electricalsignals between said connected test station and said DUT without humanintervention.
 11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: connectingsaid DUT to RF connectors positioned at least partially within said trayconfined area; and connecting portions of said RF connectors that areoutside of said tray confined area to said connected test station. 12.The method of claim 8 further comprising: creating within said sealedchamber a desired environmental condition.
 13. The method of claim 12wherein said created environmental condition is a selective applicationof temperature adjusted air.
 14. The method of claim 12 furthercomprising: releasably connecting said pedestal to a vibrator while saidenvironmental condition is created and maintained.
 15. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising: releasably connecting said pedestal to avibrator.
 16. The method of claim 8 further comprising: connecting saidDUT to RF connectors positioned at least partially within said trayconfined area.
 17. A pedestal for supporting any one of a number ofdifferent devices to be electrically tested; said pedestal comprising:means for allowing a particular DUT to be clamped in a desiredorientation in relation to said pedestal, said allowing means alsoallowing a clamped DUT to be vibrated without also vibrating saidpedestal; means for associating a personality module with said pedestal,said associated personality module unique to a clamped one of said DUTs,said associated personality module controlling, at least in part,testing to be performed on said clamped DUT; and means for allowing saidDUT to be sealed within an environmentally controlled area.
 18. Thepedestal of claim 17 further comprising: at least one RF connector forelectrically interfacing between a clamped DUT and a testing station.19. The pedestal of claim 17 further comprising: means for introducingenvironmentally modified air into said sealed area.
 20. The pedestal ofclaim 19 wherein said vibration of said DUT is controlled from a shakerlocated outside of said sealed area, and wherein said pedestal is sealedsuch that said motion creating device does not interfere with saidenvironmentally modified air within said sealed area.
 21. The pedestalof claim 19 wherein said personality module is positioned partiallywithin said sealed area and partially outside said sealed area andwherein said receiving means is constructed to cooperate with a sealsuch that said personality module does not interfere with saidenvironmentally modified air within said sealed area.